Thank you for your interest in our Pack.  We are happy you are checking out our site.  If you have any questions, hopefully they will be answered here.  If not, please don't hesitate to contact our Cubmaster at Cubmaster.BSAPack226@gmail.com or call her at (818) 860-1CUB.  

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What is Scouting?

Cub Scouting was founded in 1930 as part of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to help meet the BSA’s purpose of providing an educational program for boys and girls to build desirable qualities of character; grow in citizenship responsibility; and develop personal fitness.  It is for youth from kindergarten to fifth grade.  Cub Scouts achieves these goals with a structured system of achievements and rewards.  During the year your scout will participate in a wide variety of age-appropriate activities from hiking, to camping, to fitness to art.  As they complete these varied activities they are rewarded with recognition in the form of pins, belt loops, patches and praise.  These activities are designed to strengthen and reinforce the qualities that makes these children good Scouts. Scouting offers a fun and rewarding experience that will benefit not only your child but your entire family. The experiences and knowledge your child will gain from Scouting will help them for the rest of their life. The Cub Scout motto is "We Do Our Best."  What more can we really ask for? 

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What is Pack 226?

Pack 226 is actually one of the oldest packs in the valley.  First established in 1946, Pack 226 has been run continuously for the last 76 years.  At this time our pack is for youth in Kinder through 5th grade.  We primarily meet every other Tuesday evening during the school year with a few scheduled summer activities.  Our program is designed to achieve the goals, ideals, and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America and our program provides activities for Cub Scouts, parent volunteers, and families. Our pack is sponsored ("Chartered" in BSA parlance) by the Chatsworth Kiwanis and we are in the Reyes Adobe District of the West Los Angeles County Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  

 

What are "Tigers" "Bears" "Dens"?  What do all these terms mean?

Let's start with "Pack."  We are Pack 226.  There are many, many different Packs all over the world.  A "Pack" is a group of scouts under one leader, the "Cubmaster."  In the Pack, scouts are separated by "Dens" based on their grade.  Each Den has a "Den Leader," an adult volunteer typically, but not always, a parent of a child in the Pack.   A "Den" is usually 3-10 scouts of the same grade.   In Cub Scouts each grade denotes a different rank: Kinder-Lion, 1st Grade - Tigers, 2nd Grade - Wolf, 3rd Grade - Bear, 4th Grade - Webelos, 5th Grade - Arrow of Light.  Before a Scout earns any rank they first have to earn their "Bobcat."  The "Bobcat" serves as an initial dedication to scouting.  To earn a Bobcat a scout must:

1. Learn and say the SCOUT OATH, with help if needed.

2. Learn and say the SCOUT LAW, with help if needed.

3. Show the CUB SCOUT SIGN. Tell what it means.

4. Show the CUB SCOUT HANDSHAKE. Tell what it means.

5. Say the CUB SCOUT MOTTO. Tell what it means.

6. Give the CUB SCOUT SALUTE. Tell what it means.

7. With their parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the booklet, "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse."

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What about these "Achievements?"

BSA publishes a program by which all Cub Scout Packs are run.  This program is listed in your child's Handbook (which you will purchase along with a uniform - more on that later).  The Handbook clearly states what is expected of your scout, and it is for them to read, take notes in, plan with, etc.  In it your scout will find the various required achievements and a list of electives.  These activities are what happens during the meetings, but you are also free to work on them at home with your child.  The achievements are extremely varied and always age appropriate.  They cover topics such as cooking, fitness, reverence, STEM and so much more.  When your scout completes an achievement they get rewarded in the form of a belt loop, achievement pin, or patch and are also acknowledged at the "Pack Meeting."  

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Tell me more about this "Pack Meeting."

We meet practically every other Tuesday during the school year from 6:30-7:30 PM at Superior Street Elementary school in Chatsworth.  That doesn't mean that every meeting is a "Pack Meeting."  One in four meetings is considered a "Pack Meeting" while the other three are called "Den Meetings."  During Den Meetings the scouts work with their Den Leaders to fulfill their required achievements.  During the Pack Meeting the entire pack is engaged in an activity led by the Cubmaster.  These can be games, stories, skits, parties...you name it.  It is the time when the scouts can play and interact with members from every Den.  

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What about the uniform?

There are two different official uniforms in Cub Scouts.  Your "Class A" which is what you think of when you picture a Scout uniform.  This is a uniform that you will purchase (more on that later).  It is covered in patches and pins and it is what your child will wear to most meetings.  Uniforms are important.  We teach them to wear their uniforms with pride.  There is also what is called a "Class B" uniform.  "Class B" uniforms differ from Pack to Pack.  They are typically a t-shirt with a Pack's custom design on it.  Your Class B t-shirt is included with your dues.  

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How much is this all going to cost?

Dues are set individually by Packs. Our dues are currently $240/year for new scouts (which is one of the cheapest Packs around).  For that your scout will get a membership in the Boy Scouts of America, a "Class B" t-shirt, achievement pins, belt loops and patches. You will need to purchase a uniform and the appropriate Handbook for your child's rank.   The uniforms can be reused year to year (although Webelos and Arrow of Light do have the option of wearing a tan shirt, as opposed to a blue one like the younger Cubs).  Everything you need can be purchased at the Boy Scout Store in Van Nuys.  Check out our LINKS section for location information.  Some extracurricular activities, such as camping, will require additional costs.  Please don't let finances prevent your child from experiencing Scouting.  If this cost is truly out of your budget PLEASE contact our Cubmaster at Cubmaster.BSAPack226@gmail.com.  The District may be able to step in and help with some of the expenses.  The most important thing is the get your child involved.  We will help out with that as much as we are able.  

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Did I hear someone say "Camping?"

Yes, you did.  As a Pack, we try to go on at least two camping trips a year (one in the Fall and one in the Spring). There will also be other opportunities to camp with individual Dens (usually the older ranks) as well as invitations from Boy Scout Troops.  For our Webelos and Arrow of Lights, there is also a fun event known as "Camporee" where your scout will be camping with hundreds of other Cub and Boy Scouts.  This is a weekend long competition in various activities such as archery, first responder,  BB guns, and more.  We also have spent some "overnighters" at locations such as the LA Zoo and the Battleship Iowa.

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Do I get to go camping with my child?

Yes.  All Cub Scouts MUST have a parent or Guardian sleep in the same tent with them during campouts.  

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Do I have to buy a bunch of expensive camping gear?

No.  In reality, you don't have to go camping, although you would be missing a huge part of the Scouting experience if you didn't.  If camping isn't for you or your son, that is fine.  If it is but you don't have the means by which to invest in camping gear, let us know.  We don't want to turn anyone away.  You will have to incur some expenses (like purchasing sleeping bags) but there are many things, such as a tent, that we could let you borrow. Just ask.  

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Are there other activities that we will go on?

Absolutely!  We go on hikes...we go to service events...we participate in parades.  We do a whole bunch of fun and engaging activities your child will love.  

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Is there a religious component to Scouting?

Scouting was founded on religious principles and many Scout packs are associated with the congregations of the churches where they meet. Pack 226 is a non-denominational Pack. We respect a diversity of beliefs and believe that socializing with those of different backgrounds makes for more well-rounded individuals. Some scouting achievements do have a religious component. These components are optional and may be completed at home to be led by family members. Religious activities are not completed during pack gatherings.

 

How about Inclusivity?

Pack 226 believes that fostering empathy, kindness, respect, and inclusivity is one of the best things we can do as parents, caregivers, and Scout Leaders. We see how creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment plays a vital role in the development of young individuals today. When youth feel supported, they gain the confidence to embrace learning, build meaningful connections with their peers, and explore their interests. Pack 226 embraces Scouts of all genders, appearances, abilities, preferences, religions, incomes, nationalities, and backgrounds. Our commitment ensures a consistent, welcoming atmosphere where no one will ever be turned away based on gender, gender preference/identification, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.

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Do we sell cookies?

No, that is the Girl Scouts.  We DO, however, participate in pack fundraising.  Our pack dues are actually lower than many of the other local packs.  We do this as to not make cost an impediment to scouting.  We have costs that are higher than the money we take in from dues.  To offset this we fundraise.  Primarily we sell "Camp Cards" which, when sold by scouts before summer can also help them earn free Cub Day Camp.  We also have fundraising events such as a popcorn sale or other activities that will be decided as the year progresses.  Some events that we would like to attend (such as overnight camping at the La Brea Tar Pits, Natural History Museum or on Navy ship) cost a lot of money.  Either parents pay for them out of pocket or we fundraise to earn them.  You and your scout will be expected to participate to the best of your ability in fundraising activities. 

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Are all leaders trained?

Absolutely.  BSA has an extensive training program for everything they do.  All adult leaders need to complete not only their position specific training but they also must complete Youth Protection Training, which are standards and guidelines to identify and prevent abuse.  On top of that, there are numerous training events and opportunities that adult leaders are encouraged to take. 

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Are adult leaders paid?

Nope.  BSA is almost exclusively a volunteer organization.  Adult leaders are there for the love of what they are doing.  

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The Cubmaster is paid though, right?

Nope.  She isn't.  Volunteer. 

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Do we need more volunteers?

Yes.  Do you want to be a Den Leader or help assist one?  Great!  If not, do you have skills or talents that we can utilize?  Awesome.  It takes a team to make a Cub Scout Pack function.  We would love for you to be part of that team.  Let us know what you are good at, or have an interest in, and we will and we will figure out how to fit you in.  

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What happens AFTER Cub Scouts?

That depends on you and your child.  Some scouts choose to end their scouting career with Arrow of Light, the highest rank in Cub Scouts.  Many choose to "bridge" into a Boy Scout Troop and many go on to earn their "Eagle Scout," the highest rank a Boy Scout can earn.

 

How can I bring my child to check it out?

This is an easy one.  Just contact our Cubmaster at Cubmaster.BSAPack226@gmail.com and let her know that you would like to check us out.  She will let the appropriate Den Leader know to expect some more children. Come to a couple of meetings free of charge before you decide.  Then, if you like what you see, you can easily become a part of the Pack 226 family.  

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Is this everything you need to know?

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No.  But this is a good start.  Still have questions?  Let our Cubmaster know and she will be sure to answer them for you.  

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Thank you, once again, for your interest in Pack 226!

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